Autoblog

These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012

John Neff — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:01:00 EST

Despite 2012 being the best year of auto sales this country has seen since 2007, not every vehicle got an equally large share of the sales pie. Some barely got a sliver, as evidenced by this year's list of the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012.

We've dug through sales data from every automaker to come up with this year's list and, like last year, we've set some parameters to ensure it includes legitimately bad-selling vehicles.

The first parameter is a starting MSRP under $100,000, which automatically excludes what's parked in most one-percenters' garages. We're also excluding vehicles cancelled in 2012, even if they garnered sales through the end of the year while dealerships sold off remaining inventory. This includes models like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and last year's worst-seller, the Acura RL. Next, vehicles are considered as they are reported by the automaker, which means that, while sales of the Murano CrossCabriolet were probably low enough to make the list, because Nissan reports only one number for all Murano sales, it was excluded. Cadillac, however, reports sales of the Escalade EXT separately from the Escalade, hence its repeat appearance.

Finally, there was the question of whether or not eligibility should be given to Suzuki vehicles, as the brand announced in November that it would end sales in the US as soon as its current inventory ran out. We decided Suzuki vehicles should be included as the brand was offering 2013 models at the time of the announcement, and as far as we can tell, inventory levels remained high enough to satisfy demand through the end of the year.

Without further ado, below are the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012.

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These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura ZDX getting the axe after 2013 despite new updates [w/poll]

Chris Paukert — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Acura, Luxury

The Acura ZDX hasn't exactly lived a conventional existence, so perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that its death announcement isn't going according to standard industry protocol, either. Parent company Honda has taken the unusual step of trumpeting a refreshed-for-2013 model while simultaneously announcing that this will be the model's last year. According to Acura, the model's cancellation comes as the brand "sharpens its focus on new models and core products" like the forthcoming RLX sedan.

The audaciously styled crossover has been, to be charitable, a very reluctant seller since its 2009 introduction, but for 2013, Acura is jazzing up its concept car for the street with new kit. The changes include a lightly reworked front shield grille along with new power folding side mirrors and new tech features including lane departure and forward collision warning systems.

We'd say that announcing the model's discontinuation at the same time one is presenting a freshened model could hurt sales, but we're not sure there's anyone paying attention. Last year, Acura managed to shift just 1,564 units of the ZDX, giving it the No. 4 spot on our Worst Sellers of 2011 list. Through September, Automotive News reports that only 642 examples have been sold in 2012, making it one of the rarest new cars on the market.

The 2013 ZDX is slated to go on sale on October 19 carrying an MSRP of $50,920 plus $895 in destination charges.

What do you think, will the rare and boldly styled ZDX be a bona fide collector car one day? Vote in our poll below.

View Poll

Continue reading Acura ZDX getting the axe after 2013 despite new updates [w/poll]

Acura ZDX getting the axe after 2013 despite new updates [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura confirms refresh for 2013 ZDX

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Acura, Luxury

The ZDX hasn't exactly been a sales superstar for Acura. Only 1,564 examples of the oddball crossover were sold last year, making it the fourth-worst-selling new vehicle in the United States in 2011. But nevertheless, Acura is committed to offering its most-expensive crossover for at least another year, as we've now learned that a refresh is on deck for 2013.

We don't have any photos of the 2013 ZDX just yet (the 2012 model is pictured here), but rest assured, the design changes will likely be very slight. Acura released only a few details in its 2013 model year full-line press release, stating that the updated ZDX will feature styling changes, new technology features and that it "will be sold in a single, valued-added package offering clients greater value on a luxury scale."

For now, that's all we know. The 2013 ZDX goes on sale in October, and we'll likely have full pricing information (as well as a new batch of high-res photos) well before then. Scroll down for Acura's official press blast.

Continue reading Acura confirms refresh for 2013 ZDX

Acura confirms refresh for 2013 ZDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Acura ZDX is a space (challenged) oddity

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Acura, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Needless to say, the 2010 Acura ZDX is a peculiar beast. And after a week's worth of testing, we're still not sure what to make of it.

But just for some context, let's begin with the fact that despite a similar fastback, five-door body style, the ZDX is not related to the Honda Accord Crosstour. Honda's jacked-up hatch is substantially larger than the ZDX and far more useful. Instead, it's best to think of the ZDX as a rake-roofed version of the MDX - a high-riding four-door coupe (assuming you buy into the marketing spiel) akin to its closest competitor, the BMW X6. Both models share similar designs and purposes - although the ZDX maxes out in price and performance where the German starts off - and both possess some of the attributes of a two-door layout - compromises and all.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Acura ZDX

Continue reading Review: 2010 Acura ZDX is a space (challenged) oddity

Review: 2010 Acura ZDX is a space (challenged) oddity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Acura ZDX recalled for airbag issues

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Acura, Luxury

2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res gallery

It's only been on the market since December, but the 2010 Acura ZDX has already gotten its first official recall. According to AutoWeek, Acura believes that less than two percent of the 1,850 ZDXs built so far were assembled with a dashboard material that was incorrectly cut. The problem could cause the passenger-side front airbag to deploy improperly.

If you think you may have one of the affected vehicles, you are urged to take your minty-fresh ZDX to your local Acura dealer so the vehicle can be inspected. If there is indeed an issue, the entire dashboard will be replaced at no expense to the owner.

Owners should be getting notifications through the mail any day now. Alternatively, you can also call (800) 382-2238 for more information.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX

[Source: AutoWeek]

2010 Acura ZDX recalled for airbag issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the business

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Etc., Safety, Technology, Crossover, Acura, Audi, BMW, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Luxury, Off-Road

Acura Cold Weather Testing - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Don't hold back."

Three words I've never heard before at a press event and three words that are running through my mind as I tramp down on the throttle and wheelspin my way towards the gray horizon.

Don't hold back.

Ahead of me lies a three-quarter-mile stretch of perfectly groomed snow sitting atop a thick layer of ice, with over 300 feet of desolation on either side.

Don't hold back.

From a standing start, the well-worn BMW X6 grapples with a lack of traction and then finally grips through the slush to propel me past 20... 30... 40... 50 mph. Then I slam on the stoppers. The ABS system pulses through the brake pedal and the coupe-shaped 'ute grinds to a squeaky, squawky halt. Let's try that again.

Don't hold back.

This time I get up to 60 mph, lay on the brakes and it's the same result. Now I'm bored, so it's time to experiment with a few emergency lane change maneuvers. I get up to 30 mph, stab at the brake, yank the wheel to the right, then back to the left and straighten up. Nothing. No drama. No hesitation. No tail wagging. I do it again, this time at 40 mph with the traction control off. Same result. Then 50 mph. Same result. Then 60 mph. And then I promptly stuff myself into an six-foot-tall snow bank.

Didn't hold back.

Follow the jump to read about our experience at Acura's cold weather testing facility in Minnesota.

Gallery: Acura Cold Weather Testing

Continue reading Cold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the business

Cold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the business originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Acura ZDX starts at $45,495 with plenty of kit

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Hatchback, Acura, Luxury

2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're interested in picking up the 2010 Acura ZDX crossover, the bottom line begins at $45,495. There's a full press release with all of the details after the jump, but the main points are these: The ZDX will go on sale beginning December 15 with an MSRP of $45,495, plus destination and handling charge, which adds another $810.

The 2010 Acura ZDX will be available in three trim levels -- the base ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package, and ZDX with Advance Package. This being an Acura, even the base ZDX gets a ton of standard features, including premium items like the "world's longest panoramic glass roof," hand-stitched leather, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and that 300-hp 3.7-liter VTEC V6. And even with that much power on tap, Honda has figured out a way to give the ZDX class-leading fuel economy of 16/23 mpg.

For an extra $4,500, the Technology Package adds a 415-watt Acura/ELS Premium Audio System with 15-gig hard drive, a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start with Keyless Access, and Acura's Nav System with Voice Recognition, Real-Time Traffic, Real-Time Weather, a full VGA display and a new multi-view rear camera.

The Advance Package goes a step further by adding a blind spot information system (BSI), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Acura's Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), an active suspension system, heated and ventilated front seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather seating surfaces, premium brushed tricot headliner material and a sport steering wheel. All for another $6,050.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading 2010 Acura ZDX starts at $45,495 with plenty of kit

2010 Acura ZDX starts at $45,495 with plenty of kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorry, Acura Dealers: V8, RWD reportedly dropped for "low-growth period"

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Acura, Luxury

2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the luxury segment, Acura has always been a bit of a lost puppy: Tempting to bring home and full of rewards to the owner who does, but never quite sure of where it is or where it's supposed to be. Over the past few years, Acura dealerships across North America - at the behest of Acura itself - have spent big bucks constructing glitzy new showrooms in anticipation of new products coming down the pipeline that would be capable of competing with other big luxury marques. But those heavily-invested franchises may find themselves holding their hats as the premium Honda division is changing its course again, and in the interim will be delaying significant model launches.

Part of the shift in strategy for Acura - which still markets exclusively in North America and China - is to put the final nail in the coffin for a rear-drive platform and V8 engines, two components seen as vital for going toe-to-toe with the European brands. Instead, Acura will reportedly focus on a more sensible approach to luxury vehicles during a "low-growth period" of new models, returning to the entry-level luxury segment to combat the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, along with luxury hybrids. But it'll take the Japanese automaker a good few years to remake itself, and in the meantime sales are likely to continue declining as the TSX sport wagon (nee Honda Accord Tourer) and the new ZDX crossover (low-volume models both) hold down the fort as the only new arrivals in the pipeline.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Sorry, Acura Dealers: V8, RWD reportedly dropped for "low-growth period" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX offers figure over function

Michael Harley — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Acura, First Drives, Luxury

2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res gallery

Acura calls its all-new ZDX "a provocative luxury four-door sports coupe," adding that it's a "passionate getaway" vehicle designed for "a couple, their belongings, and more." The proclamation is a twist on a pitch we've heard before, yet with an even narrower segment focus. While the marketplace has come to accept the stylishly squashed Mercedes-Benz CLS, Volkswagen CC and Jaguar XF into the non-sedan segment, this new niche - pioneered by the BMW X6 and accepted by consumers if only because the Bavarian delivers the goods - is still a substantial risk that could require a hard sell with pithy prose.

So to kick-off Acura's all-new non-SUV, the automaker invited us to Southern California to drive the latest addition to its growing family. Constructed on the familiar MDX platform and sharing its powertrain, the ZDX pushes the automaker's styling and innovation to the limit - it's certainly not bland or boring. However, is there enough substance under the style to win buyers in this newly targeted segment? What game-winning cards, if any, does Acura really hold with its latest "sports coupe" SUV? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX offers figure over function

First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX offers figure over function originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust!

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Acura, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Spyker, Celebrities, Design/Style

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #141 of the Autoblog Podcast marks the first time we're joined by a guest outside the Autoblog Inner Circle, and we're hoping that it's the start of a trend. This week, our interview couch is occupied by drift, rally and stunt legend (and all-around good guy) Tanner Foust, the only back-to-back Formula D champion ever. Since Tanner's a racer, we kick off the show talking about the heartbreaking Ferrari crash at Monterey before touching on the Dodge Viper powered Devon GTX and its screaming lap at Laguna Seca.

Actual news starts with talk of the Hyundai Equus coming to the United States, moves on to the Volkswagen Phaeton's supposed return to the North American market, and then to the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder. Acura's ZDX tickles (or not) our design eyes, and then we wrap up with some of your questions. Thanks for the new reviews at the Autoblog Podcast iTunes page, as well as taking the time to fill out our survey. The feedback to our Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com address has been great, too, so keep it coming... see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust!

Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura drops more details and pics aplenty of the new ZDX

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Acura

2010 Acura ZDX - click above for high-res image gallery

A month after officially announcing the production version of the new ZDX four door coupe-crossover-thingy, Acura has just released over 100 new photos and full specifications. Like the TL sedan, the ZDX is largely a North American product, as it was designed in California and it is expected to be built at the automaker's Alliston, Ontario plant.

We already knew the ZDX was getting Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system and the company's 300 horsepower, 3.7-liter V6. Now we also know that it gets an Integrated Dynamics System to manage the electrically assisted power steering and adaptive dampers.

The ZDX has what figures to be an ample 26.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. Less accommodating is the passenger space in the second row, where headroom drops to 35.3 inches and legroom goes to 31.3 inches from the TL's 36.2 inches. Apparently Acura achieved the cargo space by moving the rear seat forward to give head clearance from that sloping roofline. That's the price you pay for avoiding the humpback look of the Porsche Panamera.

The ZDX goes on sale this winter, but pricing has not yet been announced. Check out the mega high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Acura ZDX

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading Acura drops more details and pics aplenty of the new ZDX

Acura drops more details and pics aplenty of the new ZDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Acura unveils 2010 ZDX crossover

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Acura, Luxury

2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

After its conceptual debut at the New York Auto Show in April, the 2010 Acura ZDX officially joins the coupe-like crossover fray this winter. Acura has dropped a brief release and a trio of photos of the production variant, and like recent Honda and Acura concepts, the ZDX was nearly production ready when it debuted in NY. The only notable changes over the concept are the headlights, tail lamps and a few details in the lower front fascia.

Under the hood, the ZDX gets the same 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 as in the RL and TL, paired up with Acura's first six-speed automatic transmission, along with torque vectoring Super Handling-All Wheel Drive as standard equipment. While the ZDX seems similar to the BMW X6, the production versions looks significantly more compact, making Acura's new swoppy crossover more of a competitor to BMW's new 5 Series GT. The ZDX should slot in nicely between the RDX and the larger MDX and appeal to those who like the dynamics of the TL in a slightly taller package. So far there has been no word from Acura on pricing, so expect all the details to be released when the ZDX goes on sale later this year.

Gallery: 2010 Acura ZDX

Continue reading Officially Official: Acura unveils 2010 ZDX crossover

Officially Official: Acura unveils 2010 ZDX crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Honda set to release Acura coupe in 2010?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:53:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Acura, Honda, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

Rumor on two continents - Germany in Auto Motor und Sport and Japan in Holiday - has it that Acura is developing a sleek four-door to join the lexicologically questionable segment known as "four-door coupes." The various translations equate to a car built on the forthcoming ZDX crossover's architecture, with reports suggesting that the new model will slot in between the TSX and the TL. Longer than the TSX by a few inches, the coupe is expected to also be wider, lower, and have a longer wheelbase than the small sedan.

Although one of the outlets mentioned a V8 and a FR layout, the consensus on a proposed engine is the 3.7-liter V6 paired up with Acura's SH-AWD and Motion Adaptive EPS. When might one expect to see this latter-day CL, if such a thing really does exist? Next year's Detroit Auto Show, with U.S. sales perhaps at the end of 2010. Hat tip to Nick!

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Rendered Speculation: Honda set to release Acura coupe in 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: Acura ZDX aimed squarely at BMW X6

John Neff — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, Acura

Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a few weeks of teasing, Acura has finally revealed the ZDX, its new four-door, luxury crossover "coupe" that is clearly aimed at the similarly proportioned BMW X6. The ZDX wears the now familiar shield grille and sharp styling that has spread across the entire Acura lineup. To further emphasize the crossover's coupiness, Acura designers have hid the rear door handles in the base of the C-pillar. The ZDX rides tall on 20-inch, 9-spoke wheels and also glints under the lights thanks to a number of chrome trim pieces including a pair of shiny dual exhausts out back. Inside you'll find typical Acura luxury with high quality materials arranged in a high-tech package that includes a new multi-view rear camera system with both a wide angle and top down view. The production ZDX will be V6-powered and kept in line by Acura's superb Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

Feel free to poke around the ZDX in our high-res gallery below. It's the best expression yet of Acura's new design language, which has taken some getting used to on its current lineup of sedans. This segment-busting crossover should arrive in dealerships by the fall of 2009, according to Acura.

Check out our high-res gallery of live and official shots below, as well as Acura's official press release after the jump.

Gallery: New York: Acura ZDX

Gallery: Acura ZDX

Continue reading New York: Acura ZDX aimed squarely at BMW X6

New York: Acura ZDX aimed squarely at BMW X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura ZDX concept caught uncloaked ahead of New York debut

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos

The espionage "artists" at AutoSpies weaseled their way onto the New York Auto Show floor before the official press days kick off and snapped a singular shot of the Acura ZDX crossover ahead of its official unveiling tomorrow morning. Acura's X6-fighter looks slightly less menacing than the teasers suggested, and the silver hue does an admirable job of integrating Acura's new corporate grille into the jacked-up hatch's shape. All the official details - including production dates and drivetrains - will be revealed tomorrow at 11 AM EST, but expect the basic shape to carry over when the ZDX goes on sale this fall.

Gallery: New York 2009: Acura Crossover Teaser

[Source: AutoSpies]

Acura ZDX concept caught uncloaked ahead of New York debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Crossover, Acura

Acrua ZDX Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

After a series of spy shots and a handful of teasers, Acura has finally given a name to its BMW X6-fighting crossover: the ZDX. Due to arrive in concept form at next week's New York Auto Show, the all-new ZDX is described by Acura as a luxury four-door sports coupe "with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility." Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, says the "ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen from Acura." From Acura, yes. From BMW...

The Acura ZDX evolve from a lightly-veiled "concept" into a production model slated to go on sale this fall. Powertrains haven't been revealed yet, but we'd suspect either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged V6 to be available at launch. Acura's press release is posted below the fold.

Gallery: New York 2009: Acura Crossover Teaser

Continue reading Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX

Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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